Greenhouse growing for small profit-with kids :)

12 years ago

Howdy Folks,

I was hoping for a bit of advice and was focusing more on the "operational" side of growing utilizing a greenhouse for early starts in the late winter/early spring. I have two young children and we have built a small greenhouse this summer (8x12). I really enjoy growing anything I can and my wife and I love getting the kids involved with all the fun stuff like weeding and watering :) I have been growing veggies and bedding plants for a couple years and giving most of what I grow away to friends and family. I was thinking about trying to grow a bit more next year and maybe seeing if we could sell some vegetables and flowering plants from the house. My intent is to keep the kids involved, work hard, and if they can sell some plants, maybe use some of their money to buy a new bike or toy.

Long opening, trying to get to the questions :p

I will have the greenhouse heated and water available year round. I also have the ability to start seeds in the garage using (2) 5 shelf systems with lights. I'm in zone 6, east side of the cascades in WA. What would be the best process to start plants from seed and be ready to have our first "plant sale" by say June 1st? Do I start indoors, pot up and transfer to heated greenhouse and then at some point go from greenhouse to cold frames? I have done allot of reading from the forums but I am having a hard time putting it all together, if that makes any sense. We do not have a huge yard so I am trying to be very efficient with my growing spaces.

Please bear in mind that I am not trying to start a backyard nursery. I really enjoy growing as a hobby and love getting the family involved. If I can grow some nice looking plants and make the kids a few extra cents that would be a bonus :)

I'm allover the map on my post and apologize...must drink more coffee.

I'll post some pics of the greenhouse once completed. My first attempt at building from a design on paper (after reading many posts on this forum).

Thanks guys!

Comments (2)

defrost49
12 years ago
The first thing you need to do is check local ordinances etc about selling. It may not be allowed in a residential area. I buy heirloom tomato and pepper plants from a backyard grower. I have to order the plants ahead and pick up on a specific weekend. Here in NH, it's usually around Mother's Day. Her neighbors do not like the extra traffic and don't want people turning around in their driveway. She also sells plants at a farmers market but has grown a good mailing list of people who want to order. She emails her list a few weeks ahead and only puts one ad in the weekly farmers bulletin.

I know that's not what you asked but I wanted to make sure you checked into it.

I think having hardened off plants would be great but June 1 would be late in our area. Memorial Day is the traditional planting time but IMO too late for many things like lettuce and cabbages.

I have seen requests lately for where to buy cabbage and broccoli plants in August when people would like to get in a fall crop. Don't know if there's a decent market for it. Others are already thinking mums.

I think it's great if you can get the kids involved. They can have specific chores and get paid a specified amount. We expected our son to bank half his earnings to save for college.

Have you checked with local adult ed classes and your county extensions for any classes on market gardening and greenhouse growing? Eliot Coleman's book Winter Harvest gives some good growing advice plus some tips on what's worth it and what isn't (he grows veggies for restaurants). You might get some insight into popular vegetable plants to grow for sale as plants.
poppa
12 years ago
Slim, it's a great thing to do! I grew plants for sale for the first time this years as a hobby and i was surprised to have made my money back 4 times. SO i was happy! The one black cloud was someone in a van that sent his kid out with bolt cutters and got my cash box before i could get out there (self service).

Tomatoes were the big seller. I will start them in March this year and pot them up. People will pay $12 for something in a 1 gallon pot that has flowers and maybe a set fruit!! 4" pots were going for $4...

Tomatoes need heat to germinate, so if you can start them indoors and move them out asap.

I only grew vegetables, but will consider flowers as well this year.

Defrost49 is correct. You should ask about your zoning. I am lucky enough to fit under massachusetts right to farm law. Anyone with 5 acres is entitled to sell what they grow if you have at least 5 acres.

Good luck and have fun!

Poppa
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Greenhouse growing for small profit-with kids :)

Comments (2)

defrost49

poppa

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